Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Ambati Rayudu has backed veteran opener Rohit Sharma amid criticism over his inability to convert good starts into big scores. The cricketer turned commentator said that Sharma is keen to perform big for India in the upcoming matches against England.
It is expected that the ODI series in England will play an important role in India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit was in good form during the recent ODI series against Afghanistan and scored 143 runs in three matches at an average of 47.66. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored unbeaten 110 runs on 86 balls in the last ODI.
His experience is invaluable” – Ambati Rayudu backs Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup
Ahead of the England series, Ambati Rayudu said Rohit Sharma should remain a part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said that Rohit’s leadership and experience make him an important player both on and off the field.
“I think clarity is very important, especially for him. I am sure they would have given him clarity. Maybe they are not giving us clarity about Rohit Sharma. So, I think his experience is invaluable.”
“He needs to be there because he is a leader not only on the field but also in the dressing room to keep the atmosphere good and that is very important when you go to a big tournament like the World Cup,” Rayudu said on Sony Sports.
His batting is always excellent – Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma’s form and motivation. He said the experienced opening batsman remains in India’s World Cup plans and believes he will hone his game in big tournaments and important series.
“I’m sure he’s included in the World Cup plans. I think that’s why he’s been retained and his batting has always been fantastic. It’s just that when you play for so many years, sometimes your hunger isn’t as much as it used to be. But certainly when a big tournament comes, I’m sure he’ll step up big and even in the big series against England,” he said.
Both of them have got a place in the Indian team – Ambati Rayudu over Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Ambati Rayudu also supported Yashasvi Jaiswal despite the youngster being out of the England ODI team. He said that both Jaiswal and Rohit deserve a place in India’s ODI setup, although Shubman Gill and Rohit still remain the preferred opening pair.
“For me, both (Jaiswal and Rohit) have a place in the Indian team if given the option. Rohit should definitely be in the plans for the ODI World Cup. Not only because he is a great batsman, but he is also a fantastic leader because you need great leadership not only on the field but in the dressing room as well.”
He said, “At crucial times, when the team is weak, you need all the experience to prepare the team to face some tough challenges coming in the World Cup. So you need a player like Rohit Sharma, a leader like Rohit Sharma and when it comes to Jaiswal, I think he deserves an opportunity.”
India will begin the England tour after a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the T20 series against Ireland. The tour includes five T20Is and three ODIs. Virat Kohli is also ready to make a comeback after missing the Afghanistan ODI series due to a hamstring injury.
